Composite fillings treat cavities to protect teeth and restore oral health. There are various types of fillings that dentists can use to fill a cavity. However, composite fillings are the most common type due to their natural appearance and good durability.
If you have a tooth that requires a filling, composite fillings may be a good option. Composite fillings are available at Smile Solutions in Pittsburg and the surrounding area. Call us today at 620-317-0286 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Understanding Composite Fillings
Composite fillings consist of a tooth-colored resin composed of plastic and some additives. In some cases, there are also glass particles mixed with the plastic. Although mostly used for treating cavities, a composite filling can also improve a tooth’s cosmetic appearance, such as reshaping a tooth.
Other common types of fillings include gold, porcelain, and silver amalgam. Compared to composite fillings, metal fillings are significantly more visible in the mouth. While porcelain fillings are closer to the surrounding teeth in color, they can be quite costly. For many patients, composite fillings offer a balance of aesthetics, affordability, and durability.
- For many patients, composite fillings offer a balance of aesthetics, affordability, and durability.
Benefits Of Composite Tooth Fillings
If a patient has tooth decay, a composite filling may be the solution. According to one National Institute of Health survey, 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have tooth decay. There are various benefits of composite fillings, including:
- Fix decay and other issues: Composite fillings primarily fix tooth decay. They can also fix cracks, chips, and tooth wear. This helps to restore a tooth’s function and health.
- Subtle aesthetics: Compared to other filling types, composite fillings are very subtle. Our dentist can color-match the filling to the surrounding teeth. Many patients prefer this natural appearance.
- Strong bonding to teeth: Composite fillings bond well with the treated tooth. It can help to strengthen and support the remaining natural tooth. This filling provides support to prevent or slow the worsening of further tooth damage.
- Minimal drilling needed: Relative to other filling types, especially silver amalgam, composite filling requires little drilling. These fillings can fit into small cavity spaces. This results in patients keeping more of their natural teeth.
- According to one National Institute of Health survey, 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have tooth decay.
Other Types Of Fillings
Although composite fillings are the most popular type of filling, they are not always the right choice for every patient. Some people may have a specific aesthetic preference for a different kind of filling. For example, although tooth-colored fillings are more subtle, some people prefer the appearance of gold fillings. Additionally, gold and porcelain fillings are more durable than composite fillings. They may last 10 or more years longer than composite filling material. Silver amalgam may also last about five years longer than a composite filling.
According to the American Dental Association, composite fillings can also take longer to place than other types of fillings. Compared to silver amalgam, a composite filling can be more expensive. However, this may depend on insurance coverage. However, it is less costly than gold and porcelain fillings. Patients should discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option with their dentist before making a decision.
- Although composite fillings are the most popular type of filling, they are not always the right choice for every patient.
When To Get A Filling
A filling is necessary when tooth decay has weakened the structure of the tooth. If left untreated, it can lead to serious dental problems. Fillings repair a tooth that has been cracked, broken, or worn down. We can inform patients if they require a filling.
While people of all ages can experience a dental event that requires a filling, school-age children and teens are more often more susceptible. Age, oral hygiene, diet, and genetics all play a factor in the risk for tooth decay. Proper oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist will help reduce that risk and the need for a filling.
- A filling is necessary when tooth decay has weakened the structure of the tooth.
Cost Considerations
Composite fillings typically cost more than silver amalgam but less than other options. In most cases, tooth fillings are covered by insurance as they are deemed essential health care treatments. We recommend reaching out to an insurance provider to determine whether there are any co-pays involved.
When considering the different types of fillings, insurance providers can assess what a patient’s plan covers. Our staff can work to find the best solution that fits a patient’s budget.
- Composite fillings typically cost more than silver amalgam but less than other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental Terminology
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums, and/or bite.
Tooth decay occurs when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay, causing erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene, leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection, and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth.
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth, and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar, and infections in the mouth.
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
Call Us Today
If you have a tooth that requires a filling, do not hesitate to seek treatment. Our team at Smile Solutions can help. Call us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.